No matter how badly you’ve messed up, awakening is still possible- Milarepa
In the isolated part of the Dolakha district, there lies an abundant number of caves that date back centuries, it’s Lapchi. Milarepa is said to have undertaken powerful retreats here in several caves, which welcome devotees and allow them to feel the real spiritual jewel. People who seek the Milarepa pilgrimage and follow the footsteps of Milarepa pay homage and sit for meditation in this miraculous land. Such a vibrating Himalayan town welcomes travellers around the globe for exploration and spirituality.
We met a friendly Lama at the upper Monastery, named Thinley Lama, while hiking towards Sephuk Cave. He showed us around the monastery, the Milarepa footprint, explained about the meditation around the Caves in Lapchi, and much more. Similarly, we had the opportunity to meet Ngodup and Rinpoche Dhundrup.
Lapchi has a small Himalayan settlement, which is a nomadic settlement that entirely shifts to the lower land in winter. Overlooking the cliff, there are several huts, where yogis meditate, isolated from human communication.
Not only spiritual abundance, but Lapchi offers delightful Himalayan views, hills, and cascading waterfalls. The surroundings are so pristine that one cannot stand without adoration.
According to Rinpoche, some devotees meditate in the caves of Lapchi for three years, three months, three weeks, three days, three hours, and three seconds. You can take the meditation classes there that guide you for meditation in isolation.
Who is Milarepa?
One of the most famous Tibetan yogis, poets, singers, and saints, Jetsun Milarepa, is a legendary figure who lived around 1052-1135. Milarepa had a struggling childhood, learned black magic, and took revenge, causing deaths. He was crushed by guilt and decided to become a saint in remorse.
He went to Marpa, the translator, and still struggled a lot there, and finally learnt deep meditation practices. His life turned a new page and started a further journey as a wandering hermit. He went to the Himalayas, meditated, and attained enlightenment in a single lifetime, which is a great achievement. His famous song, The Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa, is still globally renowned.
Major Attractions
There are abundant attractions in Lapchi. Here are some attractions and their distance from the Lapchi Monastery. They are as follows:
- Bepa Cave (40 min walk)
- Rechen Cave (30 min walk)
- Lungten Cave (20 min walk)
- Dudul Cave (10 min walk)
- Sephuk Cave (2 hours walk)
- Youthok Cave (1.5 hours walk)
- Jangchup Stupa (5 min walk)
How to get there?
You will get a public bus every day to Lamabagar from Kathmandu (early in the morning). It’s better to take your own 4WD Jeep from Kathmandu, so that you can stretch 22 km more from Lamabagar.
Trekking starting point
If you drive to Lamabagar by public bus, your trek starts from there. If you are there by private vehicle, you can start the trek from Thangchhemu.
Permits
Permits are required for foreign trekkers. You can get their arrangement from the government-registered trekking agency of Nepal.
Food and accommodation
They depend on how you are travelling. Food is available on the way, but you should reach a certain point. You can get good food and accommodation at Lamabagar (not luxurious), Lumnang, and Lapchi. It is said that Lumnang remains closed in the summertime, so you should know this beforehand.
However, in Lapchi, you will get food and accommodation in the monastery. In the Lower Monastery, there is also a cook who will cook for you. In the upper one, you will get more comfortable accommodation.
